ROME — Roger Federer, who had not originally planned to play in the Italian Open, crushed Thomas Berdych 6-3 6-3 on Friday, while top seed Novak Djokovic dropped a set for the third successive match before reaching the semi-finals.
An early loss to Nick Kyrgios in Madrid last week convinced Federer that he needed more matches on clay before the French Open begins later this month and the Swiss made sure he took full advantage of the opportunity. The second seed will play the winner of the last quarter-final between Rafa Nadal and Stan Wawrinka.
"I'll watch a little tonight," Federer told Sky Sports Italia.